Traditional Thursday

Today was another great day in Zambia. The kids are starting to get use to us working with them everyday, and they are becoming more responsive to us. Today I spend the morning in one of the language groups, holding the grumpy kids that were not participating. Today's grumpy kid was Chililia. She was grumpy and did not want to join the group, all she did in my arms was squirm and fuss. I was glad that I was able to help with the group though. Last year it was always a hassle when your kid wouldn't cooperate. This year the clinicians can hand of whinny kids to me, Ashley, or Mel. We are the bouncers. Eventually Chililia was so uncooperative, I placed her in her crib and left her until shema time. I stayed in Haven 2 for shema time and I got to feed Marcus. Marcus is the twin of Ruth. Marcus and Ruth were in Haven 3 last year, and were undergoing TB treatment, and both of them were apart of our feeding group last year. Marcus had recently been moved to Haven 2, but Ruth is still at Haven 3, finishing her TB treatment, so they are separated. I think this new adjustment for Marcus is hard. He just kinda mopes around and is not very  expressive. He does follow commands well and responds to his name. Be praying for him that he adjusts well to his new living condition.

After shema time at Haven 2 I went to Haven 1 and worked with Emmanuel, which was one of the babies that I took to the clinic yesterday. He was not very responsive when I was working with him. Eventually he fell asleep. Then I picked up Nichole. I always enjoy my time working with Nichole. Today I was so close to getting her to imitate some sounds. I could tell she was thinking about it, maybe tomorrow.

For lunch today we had a traditional meal! Shema, chicken, rice, It was delicious. I love the traditional shema here. Not because its great tasting, but I enjoy the experience so much, but it does taste pretty good. After lunch I went back to the Havens and spent most of my afternoon in Haven 3 working with Caleb. Caleb has was one of the babies in Haven 1 last year and now is in Haven 3. He has had casts on both legs since I met him last year. Today we worked on some turn taking skills and social interaction. By the end of our hour together he was getting the hang of it. Afterwards, Lincoln, Leo, and Joseph joined us and we ran around together chasing a big red ball. I would yell Zuza! and they would all go running and laughing. Once I tired them out by running all afternoon I went to Haven 2 where I was bombarded (as always) by toddlers. I didn't really work with one toddler more than another, but I did see Marcus smile. He was in my lap, and then two other toddlers surrounded him. I put my arms around all three of them and started swaying and yelling. They all smiled and laughed...gotcha!

When dinner was finished a group of us when out to see the sun set again. This time I brought a frisbee to throw while we watched. Eventually some of the college students were curious and wandered over to see what we were throwing. They joined us, and we attempted to teach them how to throw the frisbee. It was very hard for them, but some of them eventually got it.

When we got back to the Hamby house the power went out, so Kara, Hayley, Ian, Seth, and I busted out the decks of cards and played nerts. (my favorite card game). Kara destroyed all of us, but I put up a good fight a few times, and finished in second. When the power came back on it was time for singing with Webster. Webster taught us a new song tonight and rehearsed the other two songs he as taught us the past two nights. Working with Webster is always a treat. He is such a good director for having no experience at all. The group love is, and always has a blast.

Continue to pray for our group, many in our group are starting to get sick, whether it be lack of sleep, medicine complications, or just nausea. Please pray that we continue to stay healthy so that we can better serve the people here.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Ben